I have been wanting to have something done for my sun spots and damage for a long time and heard about IPL. I have also been reading these reviews, which for the most part, scared the hell out of me with a couple of exceptions. It's very scary having something like this done to your face! I had two consultations at two different places...one in an actual dermatology office and the other at a "med spa". I chose the med spa having heard good things about them and my experience during the consultation. At the time of the consultation, pictures and a history were taken as well as a patch test. I was asked what nationality I was because certain ethnic groups shouldn't have this procedure done as well as anyone that is tan. They also did a patch test to show me how my skin would react and to make sure it reacted normally.
The procedure itself isn't fun. It's very unpleasant and it hurts but should never be more than you can handle. If it feels more than you can handle, then it probably isn't good. It feels like little zaps of heat and there are a lot of them. Afterward, I felt some stinging and a slight heat sensation (like sunburn) that went away in literally a half hour. By the time I got home (45 minutes) the slight redness I had in the office was gone but the brown spots were dark and everywhere (I had a lot of sun damage)! They got darker the 2nd and 3rd day. By the 3rd/4th day it looks like someone took a handful of dirt, threw it at my face and it stuck. Or, as some describe...coffee grounds. You start to feel a little scared wondering if they will really slough off like they are supposed to...and they do! By day 8, everything was gone and my skin looks really good! It's not perfect but so much better than before! You can wear makeup right after the procedure (if you are brave enough to go out. I was not public worthy) and nothing special had to be done. I am told I will have to have 2-3 more IPL's if I want them all to be gone.
I have been reading all these negative reviews regarding this procedure and because of them, I almost didn't get this done. I wanted to share my experience because I am glad I went ahead with it. You have to do your homework, go with a person that knows what she/he is doing, what settings to use, spends time doing a patch test, and does appropriate follow-up. I intend to do this treatment again. My face feels brighter and people have said I look younger. I hope this review was helpful...I will post pictures.
The procedure itself isn't fun. It's very unpleasant and it hurts but should never be more than you can handle. If it feels more than you can handle, then it probably isn't good. It feels like little zaps of heat and there are a lot of them. Afterward, I felt some stinging and a slight heat sensation (like sunburn) that went away in literally a half hour. By the time I got home (45 minutes) the slight redness I had in the office was gone but the brown spots were dark and everywhere (I had a lot of sun damage)! They got darker the 2nd and 3rd day. By the 3rd/4th day it looks like someone took a handful of dirt, threw it at my face and it stuck. Or, as some describe...coffee grounds. You start to feel a little scared wondering if they will really slough off like they are supposed to...and they do! By day 8, everything was gone and my skin looks really good! It's not perfect but so much better than before! You can wear makeup right after the procedure (if you are brave enough to go out. I was not public worthy) and nothing special had to be done. I am told I will have to have 2-3 more IPL's if I want them all to be gone.
I have been reading all these negative reviews regarding this procedure and because of them, I almost didn't get this done. I wanted to share my experience because I am glad I went ahead with it. You have to do your homework, go with a person that knows what she/he is doing, what settings to use, spends time doing a patch test, and does appropriate follow-up. I intend to do this treatment again. My face feels brighter and people have said I look younger. I hope this review was helpful...I will post pictures.
